Stayed on GC for 11.5 months, Citizenship question

[sshah1001]

Hi Guys,

1. If I stay outside US on GC/ Rentry Perm for 11.5 months and I go back to
US, will this period be counted for my citizenship?

2. I went outside of US on REP after one 11 months of getting the GC, will
that period also be counted for my citizenship?

Pl. help.

Thanks in Adv.

[sg_orl]

Trips abroad of < 6 months stay are ok and don't break the continuous residence requirement.

Trips abroad of > 6 months, but <1 year stay fall in a gray area and likely break the continuous residence requirement, unless you document with strong ties to the US, and prove that it was truly a temporary stay abroad with a clear ending date, but it got extended by circumstances beyond your control. At any rate, for naturalization this falls under the discretion of an interviewing officer. It may be better to have an attorney represent your under these circustances. Documentation and how you present the facts is the key.

Trips abroad of > 1 year stay with a reentry permit, will definitely break the continuous residence requirement. In that event you become eligible to apply after 4 years + 1 day after your return.